Lang, Karen C. (transl &. introd.) - Four Illusions: Candrakīrti’s Advice for Travelers on the Bodhisattva Path

Stories of Gautama Buddha’s life say that he left behind his home and family in search of an answer to the question of why people suffer. Neither his experience of sensual pleasures as a rich man’s son nor his experience of harsh austerities as a homeless wanderer brought relief. After he found the answer to his question, he chose the active life of teaching over a quiet life of meditative silence. When asked to teach, he responded with compassionate concern for the well-being of others.¹